Lego Train Web Project

[jayfield1979]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to share with you a project I am working on in my free time.

The idea is to find a great use for the new WebGL capabilities found in most modern browsers (including mobile & tablet).

I also want to get TLG interested at some point as an additional resource for the 'games' section of their website or as a stand alone project, much like Google's Build with Chrome.

This is just a prototype for now but I am working on the interactivity and will soon turn it into a demo.

The beauty of this project is that no plug-in's are required and the code is written entirely in Javascript. This means you should just be able to type in or click on a link (when complete) and dive straight in!

I want to make this into a simple train sim game for kids (and fun big people) but it will also feature certain customisable features such as lay your own track and create your own trains (not models i'm afraid).

I'll be working on this heavily over the summer this year but just wondered what you guys think or if you have any suggestions?

Additionally, although this is a bit optimistic, I am looking for a programmer to help with the project as I am a mere designer, and quite frankly, it's a miracle I got this far! I will get the demo working by September however... maybe in time to include the new 2014 Lego City models!

Update:

Just to point out the project direction...

[JopieK]

Welcome to Eurobricks! Very nice project indeed!

[jayfield1979]

It's a pleasure to be here. I am massive Lego [Trains] fan and I've enjoyed following the debates about the new 2014 train sets.

Personally.. I think they look great! Except maybe the weird roof and supporting structure thing on the station! Still, it looks modern and representative!

Oh... and that new nose cone... that's a dream for me! Modelling it in 3D will be fun :)

[BricksMcgee]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to share with you a project I am working on in my free time.

Wow, looking good Jayfield. Like the render of the red freight engine in particular!

[jayfield1979]

Thanks! I've put a lot of effort into replicating all the models exactly... and in 3 levels of detail! They are not constructed of individual bricks as this would be very inefficient for a games engine. They are created brick by brick in 3D Studio Max but then optimised to remove excess (connecting) faces and vertices before they are exported. It's a bit of a long-winded process but the results seem to be convincing.

The next lot of development should come soon. There's even more scenery and model tweaks!

It's also worth noting that the 'renders' may look crude by the standards of some of the work on here, but remember, these models are for a web browser-based, real-time 3D game engine, and are required to be relatively low detailed and simply lit.

Edited February 24, 2014 by jayfield1979

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Superb project and amazing video! :wub:

[Big Blue Winky]

It's the Microsoft train simulator in train form, that's awesome! I wish you the very best of luck with that and can see there's a huge amount of potential for this. It's something I've been thinking needs to be made for a very long time, I have no technical knowledge of how to do it myself so I'm glad you've taken up the challenge.

Lego Loco reborn.

[Hrw-Amen]

Looks interesting, I was surprised at how little can actually be seen out of the train windows? I guess this applies to real trains as well as I guess you don't have to steer them as such just be able to see out the front for signals etc.

[jayfield1979]

Thanks for the supporting comments :)

Looks interesting, I was surprised at how little can actually be seen out of the train windows? I guess this applies to real trains as well as I guess you don't have to steer them as such just be able to see out the front for signals etc.

Very good point and very true! Indeed, aside from the high speed passenger train (which I'm still having issues with) the view is very obstructed from most the train engine cabs.. This is down to the camera's FOV and fixed position.

As I progress towards a playable demo, I will address gameplay aspects such as this. One idea is to have a free camera (zoomable) contained within the cab, but I'll probably go with toggling between interior and exterior fixed/free cameras. I'll have to keep this simple considering this game is aimed primarily at children.

As a sort of side note, I am hoping a product such as this will help engage the consumers of these products and the Train sub-theme in TLG's eyes. I know it's a bit "pie in the sky" at the moment, but it is hoped that if it can raise awareness and interest, then maybe TLG will support the sub-theme better with more intermediate sets or better yet, realise the Trains theme once again as its own theme. Wishful thinking I know, but I am going to try :)

It's the Microsoft train simulator in train form, that's awesome! I wish you the very best of luck with that and can see there's a huge amount of potential for this. It's something I've been thinking needs to be made for a very long time, I have no technical knowledge of how to do it myself so I'm glad you've taken up the challenge.

Lego Loco reborn.

I am looking for help from this community and not just for technical stuff. I want ideas and suggestions, maybe even someone who wants to help me model this stuff in 3D! If you can help or want to advise, then comment here and I'll arrange us some Google Doc's/Drive space :)

Edited February 24, 2014 by jayfield1979